Laws of War and the Protection of Children, Women, the Elderly, and the Environment: A Comparative Study between Islamic Justice and Western International Law

Abstract

Warfare, although inherently destructive, is still governed by moral and legal constraints in both Islamic and Western traditions. The Islamic law of war, grounded on the Qur'an, Sunnah, and the conduct of the righteous caliphs, establishes strict guidelines regarding non-combatants, natural resources, and ethical conduct during war. Similarly, modern International Humanitarian Law (IHL), particularly through the Geneva Conventions, sets rules to protect civilians and the environment. This paper offers a comparative analysis of these frameworks, focusing on the rights and protections afforded to children, women, the elderly, and natural resources such as trees and crops.